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Cyclone Melissa is projected to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it shifts toward Jamaica, bringing deadly rapid inundation and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean region and is projected to reach land by early next week, based on data from hurricane specialists.

Alerts of electricity outages and structural damage have been announced as this storm generates up to thirty inches of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Seek shelter now," residents have been advised.

Melissa is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest type, with sustained winds of at least 157mph.

Although Melissa is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before arriving at the island, experts said there was "very little practical difference in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the cyclone will be "equally strong" when it impacts the island.

Urgent Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level wind and rainfall anticipated well in advance ahead of it passes over Jamaica's central region - including potentially the capital, Kingston - warnings emphasize that "preparations should be rushed to completion".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and intense precipitation have begun and will cause severe and deadly rapid water accumulation and many rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman stated: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"Yet the optimal approach to manage nervousness and any nervousness and anxiety is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to secure their homes with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Regional Impact

Alerts are also ongoing for parts of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the adjacent nation and eastern Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Expected Course

The hurricane is forecast to pass over the island nation by Wednesday before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic.

By the moment it arrives at Cuba, it is anticipated to have reduced to a Category 3 hurricane.

Weather Background

Although it is difficult to link particular meteorological occurrences to environmental shifts, researchers say it is resulting in climate patterns more common and more severe.

Higher ocean heat generate additional humidity in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of the current Caribbean cyclone season, meteorological authorities projected above-normal activity, referencing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where tropical systems frequently develop.